The Force Of Law Is The Difference

Lack of common sense isn't always a crime. But the Beaver Falls police chief has determined that a recent youthful departure from common sense is a crime, and rightly so.

It seems that the youngsters in this Western Pennsylvania community are making blow darts from cotton swabs and needles, using pea shooters or drinking straws to propel the dangerous missiles toward their targets. One 12- year-old has been charged with aggravated assault and reckless endangerment after one of his darts struck another youngster in the eye, causing an injury that required surgery.

The police chief, using good common sense, moved swiftly to end this departure from right thinking. His concern that adults also are involved in these pranks is a good indication that common sense doesn't necessarily come with age. Sometimes it can only be motivated by force of law.